[ClassScape Starfield]

Technical Requirements

ClassScape is a web browser/Internet-based application. Hosting is done from systems at NC State University which resolve to www.classscape.org . The following are minimum technical specifications required, but these may be changed if necessary. Generally, the best results are obtained with newer client computers having a good network and connection to the Internet.

  • Windows 2000 Pro or Mac OSX
  • 1.0 GHz processor
  • 256 MB RAM (preferably 512 MB)
  • Internet with 56 kps bandwidth per seat assuming no competing traffic and no read-aloud ClassScape assessments
  • Javascript/cookies/site-specific popups enabled
  • Monitor resolution of 800x600 (higher resolutions are better)
  • Proxy/firewalls must allow ClassScape server traffic and not cache content
  • Sound card with headphones ( for read-aloud assessments )
  • Technical requirements may change upon further evaluation.

Other Notes:

We have designed the system to perform with both Internet Explorer and Mozilla FireFox Web browsers. Because the system uses graphics, an ISDN or greater Internet connection is preferred. A monitor resolution of 800 * 600 will allow the user to see the full item with some scrolling. Finally, javascript, cookies, and pop-ups (for classscape.org) must be enabled in your web browser. For information on Firefox's technical requirements, click here.

Save this ClassScape icon to the computer to be used for student assessments. While on the ClassScape main page, click on the icon to the left of "http://www.classscape.org/" in the address bar, then drag it to your desktop and release. This will create a shortcut on your desktop named "ClassScape". Right click this new icon on your desktop, then select properties. This will open a "ClassScape Properties" window with the "Web Document" tab selected. In the URL text field, replace the existing text with "http://www.classscape.org/student". Next, click the "Change Icon" button and select the icon previously saved to your computer. Finally, click the "General" tab and in the first text field (should have "ClassScape" in it), replace the text with "ClassScape Student Login". Finally, click the OK button in the ClassScape Properties window. When a student double clicks this new icon, the student interface will load in the computer's default web browser.

In order for the ClassScape Assesment System to work properly, pop-ups must be enabled and javascript must be allowed to run. This can be set using the Tools->Options->Web features.

In order for the ClassScape Assesment System to work properly, pop-ups must be enabled. To enable pop-ups for ClassScape in Internet Explorer, click Tools -> Pop-up Blocker -> Pop-up Blocker Settings. Next, enter classscape.org in the field for Address of Web site to allow. Click the 'Add' button, then click the 'Close' button.

In Internet Explorer, click Tools in the menu tab, then select Internet Options. In the window that appears, click the Advanced tab. The second section header is labelled browsing. Uncheck the checkbox with the option for "Disable Script Debugging (Internet Explorer)". Click the apply button, then the ok button. You may also need to close your Internet Explorer brower(s), then re-open them.

Proxy servers must not cache content from classscape.org . Proxy servers ( and firewalls or other internet filtering / security technologies ) should also be configured to pass traffic on remote TCP ports 80 and 443 for classscape.org .

Browsers, network applicances, and content filters must not block MP3 files from classscape.org . Web browsers must also have the Adobe® Flash® Player installed.